Pneumatically operated collapsible unit

ABSTRACT

A collapsible unit selectively extensible so as to define an enlarged structural component usable as a door, cover, bridge, or the like. The unit is constructed of a series of adjacent cells communicating with each other and defining an airtight interior for the full length of the unit. The cells or sections are selectively expanded and collapsed utilizing the introduction and withdrawal of an appropriate fluid under pressure, such fluid normally being air. Any number of cells can be incorporated into the unit, and the overall length of any particular unit easily modified as required by the addition or removal of cells.

United States Patent Norman M. Bedard 5830 Red Road, Miami, Fla. 33143 [21 1 Appl. No. 840,726

[22] Filed July 10, 1969 [45] Patented Aug. 17, 1971 [72] inventor [54] PNEUMATICALLY OPERATED COLLAPSIBLE 1/1966 Fisheretal. 3,449,864 6/1969 Frost-Dame et al.

Primary Examiner-Peter M. Caun ABSTRACT: A collapsible unit selectively extensible so as to define an enlarged structural component usable as a door,

cover, bridge, or the like. The unit is constructed of a series of adjacent cells communicating with each other and defining an airtight interior for the full length of the unit. The cells or sections are selectively expanded and collapsed utilizing the introduction and withdrawal of an appropriate fluid under pressure, such fluid normally being air. Any number of cells can be incorporated into the unit, and the overall length of any particular unit easily modified as required by the addition or removal of cells.

I PATENTED AUDI 719?:

SHEET 1 [1F 3 I Hill Norman M. Bedard INVIjN'IOK.

1 BY flu WW Em PATENTEU AUG 1 H971 SHEET 3 BF 3 Norman M. Bedard INVIW'I'OK.

9 m WWI/we} Ema PNEUMATICALLY OPERATED COLLAISIBLE UNIT The instant invention generally relates to a collapsible barrier or support forming unit, and more particularly relates to a collapsible unit wherein the extension and retraction thereof is effected solely by the selective introduction and removal of air, or other appropriate fluid medium.

It is a primary object of the instant invention to provide a basic fluid operated collapsible unit which, in addition to being utilized in the manner of a folding door as illustrated, is in fact adapted for use in other environments, for example, as a selectively extensible and collapsible floating bridge.

In conjunction with the above object, it is also a significant object of the instant invention to provide a collapsible unit constructed of a series of communicating airtight collapsible cells so connected as to allow for the addition or removal of cells as desired to vary the effective length of the unit.

The unit itself consists of a plurality of elongated parallel collapsible cells interlocked with each other by full height integrally formed ribs or beads and grooves. The cells or unit sections are hollow and have sealing plates mounted in the opposite ends thereof. The interior of the cells are communicated with each other and ultimately with a source of pressurized fluid, in most instances air whereby a pneumatically operated collapsing and expanding of the unit can be achieved. The operation of the unit is effected pneumatically without any mechanical assistance. The unit, constructed and operated in this manner, is hollow, airtight, lightweight, and requires, for the operation thereof, only a means for effecting a pressurized introduction and withdrawal of fluid, for example a blower as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Thus, the unit is particularly adapted for use in a variety of situations wherein a temporary barrier, cover, support or the like is desired.

, A few specifically contemplated uses of the unit are as a folding door, illustrated in the drawings, or as a collapsible floating bridge selectively extensible over small streams, rivers or the like.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the unit of the instant invention utilized as a collapsible partition or folding door;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 22 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 with the unit in a collapsed condition;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional detail through the control apparatus;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through one of the air ports provided between adjacent cells or sections;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail through the relief port, taken substantially on a plane passing along section line 7-7 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a perspective detail of the upper end of one of the cells;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one of the folding end plates in a fully extended position; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one of the end plates in a partially collapsed position.

While the construction of the instant invention is clearly adaptable for use in different environments, in accordance with the presentation in the official drawings, the description herein will be primarily directed toward a pneumatically operated collapsible partition or door.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, the

' reference numeral is used to designate the basic collapsible unit of the instant invention. This unit 20 is constructed of a series of elongated parallel adjacent cells or sections 22.

Each cell 22 is formed of three integrally connected sides forming a right angular cross section wherein the side defining the hypotenuse is designated by reference numeral 24 with the right angularly related sides being designated by reference numeral 26. The cells 22 are formed of an appropriate synthetic plastic material, such as polypropylene, sufficiently rigid so as to be self-sustaining and also capable of repeated flexing, without damage thereto, whereby a selective collapsing and expanding of the cells can be achieved without requiring the utilization of mechanical hinges or the like. The corner formed by the two sides 26 of each cell 22 is actually flattened or squared off so as to define a pair of hinge areas or corners 28. Hinge areas 30 are also provided along the full length of each cell 22 between each cell side 26 and the side 24, while a final hinge or hinge area 32 is provided centrally along the full length of the side 24. These five hinge areas provide for a selective collapsing and expanding of each cell 22 in a manner which will be obvious from a comparison of FIGS. 2 and 3, the collapsing basically involving an inward folding of the side 24 and a corresponding inward swinging of the sides 26.

Inasmuch as the cells or sections 22 are to be pneumatically expanded and collapsed, the opposedends thereof are specifically sealed by upper and lower folding end plates 34. These end plates 34, also formed of an appropriate relatively rigid foldable plastic, are of a size so as to be snugly received within the opposed ends of the cells 22. Each plate 34-includes a peripheral flange 36 utilized so as to affix the plate 34 within the corresponding cell and in a manner so as to seal the interior of the cell 22. With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, it will be appreciated that each plate 34 is provided with a plurality of fold lines 38, each extending inwardly from one of the cell hinge areas to a common central point whereby a collapsing of the plates 34 in conjunction with the collapsing cells will be effected. It will of course be appreciated that appropriate measures are taken so as to insure a collapsing of the plates 34 and cells 22 in theproper direction about the fold lines and hinge portions, such being effected, as an example, by maintaining the fold line separated plate portions at a slight angle to each outer toward the direction of desired folding.

The cells 22 are to be positioned parallel and adjacent to each other, alternately facing in opposite directions whereby each face of the unit or door 20 will, in the expanded position thereof, present a series of cell sides or walls 24 separated by the flattened angle defined between the cell walls. 26 of intermediate cells. In this manner, there is achieved an attractive appearance in conjunction with opposed unit faces formed of wide panels, i.e., the sides 24, closely spaced adjacent each other along the full length of the unit.

The actual interlocking of adjacent cells is effected by a full length rib or bead 40 integrally formed and projecting outwardly in a bulbous manner along each cell wall or side 26 near one edge thereof, and a full length integrally formed outwardly projecting bead receiving groove 42 also defined along each cell walls 26 toward the opposite edge thereof. The bead on one cell wall 26 is received within the projecting groove 42 on a reversed adjacent cell, while the groove 42 on the first cell receives the bead 40 on the second cell. The reception of the beads 40 within the associated groves 42 can be effected in the manner of a snap fastener, that is forced directly into the arcuate side flanges which define the grooves 42. Likewise, the beads can be slid longitudinally into the grooves 42 until forcibly removed therefrom. In this manner, a positive although releasable interlocking is provided between adjacent cells 22 which, as will be readily appreciated, enables the lengthening or shortening of the basic unit 20 as desired through the addition or removal of cells 22.

The adjoining cells 22 are communicated with each other, for the flow of air therebetween, by the provision of holes or air ports therein between which extends an airtight sleeve or grommet 44, these holes of course being defined in the adjacent side walls 26.

A pair of full height sections 46 and 48 are provided at the opposed ends of the unit 20, preferably of a rigid lightweight material'such as aluminum. The end section 46 constitutes the mounting section and includes an angled wall or side 49 which mounts the adjacent cell 22 through the utilization of the aforedescribed interlocking ribs and grooves. This mounting section .46 will be affixed to the structure, in the illustrated example a building wall, on which the unit is mounted, and will in turn have the hollow interior thereof communicated with .the control apparatus 50 located adjacent thereto. Finally, the mounting section 46 is to have the hollow airtight interior thereof communicated in an air passing manner with the adjacent section or cell 22 utilizing the airport construction detailed in FIG. 6. The second rigid section 48 constitutes a lead section mounted on the forwardmost collapsing cell 22 and movable with the expanding and collapsing unit 20. This section 48 is also mounted on the adjacent cell 22 by the aforedescribed bead and groove interlock, and mounts appropriate latch and handle means 52 thereon for a releasable engagement with an opposed structural component upon an expanding of the unit 20. This section 48 will not necessarily be communicated with the adjacent cell 22, and in fact can be either solid or hollow, depending upon particular weight and rigidity requirements.

The control apparatus 50 is specifically provided for a selective introduction of a pressurized fluid for an expansion of the structural unit 20 under the force thereof, and a selective withdrawal of the fluid from the unit, and in particular the communicating airtight cells therein, so as to create a partial vacuum whereby a collapsing of the unit along the hinge and fold lines will be effected. The relatively greater external atmospheric pressure will insure a proper inward folding of the cells by an inward collapsing of the cell walls 24 about the center hinge sections 32 therein. t r

' In' the illustrated embodiment, the unit 20 is to be pneumatically controlled. Accordingly, the control'apparatus 50 includes a blower 54 communicated with the hollow interior of the mounting section 46 and power driven by a reversible electric motor 56. The blower 54 is mounted within an airtight housing 58.

The housing 58 is communicated with the atmosphere by a pair of ports 60 and 62 selectively sealed by a pair of gates or panels 64 and 66, each gate being spring biased to a closed position by appropriate hinge mounted spring means. The panel 64 is mounted on the exterior of the housing 58 and swings outwardly so as to enable an exhausting of air from the housing 58, while the panel 66 is mounted on the inside ofthe housing 58 and swings inwardly so as to allow for an introduction of air into the housing. Both panels 64 and 66 are locked closed by solenoid units 68 and 70 which are selectively activated in conjunction with the blower motor 56. As a safety feature, and a means for regulating the internal air pressure, an adjustable relief valve 72 is also provided in the housing. Finally, an appropriate pair of control switches 74 are mounted in a readily accessible location for the selective activation of the blower motor 56 and the solenoid units 68 and 70.

In actual operation, assuming the unit 20 is in the extended position of FIGS. 1 and 2, the switch 74 is engaged so as to activate the blower motor in a direction whereby air is exhausted from the unit. At the same time, the switch activates the solenoid 68 which unlatches the exhaust gate or panel 64 and allows it to open under the pressure of the exhausting air. As the air is evacuated from the unit 20, it passes through the ports connecting the .cells, thereby creating a low pressure or partial vacuum therein which enables a collapsing of the cells by the external atmosphere pressure, thereby effecting a controlled collapsing of the entire unit along the hinge foldlines. Once the unit 20 has collapsed to the desired point, the switch 74 is released, resulting in a deactivation of the blower and a swinging of the exhaust gate 64 to its closed position vwhere it is locked by the cooperating solenoid unit 68 so as to seal the housing 58 and the interior of the unit 20. Incidently, it should be appreciated that the solenoid latch associated with each solenoid unit 68 and 70 is to be set so as to allow the springloaded gate to swing thereby into the latched position upon a deactivation of the corresponding solenoid unit.

When the unit 20 is to be expanded, the switch 74 is thrown so as to activate the blower and introduce air under pressure into the unit 20. At the same time, the solenoid unit 70 is activated so as to retract the latch thereon and allow an inward swing of the intake panel or gate 66. The incoming air swings the gate 66 open and supplies the blower 54 with air for a pressurized introduction into the communicating unit cells v22 which, as will be readily appreciated, expand along the full length of the unit, thereby extending the unit as required. Upon release of switch 74, the blower motor and solenoid unit are deactivated. The spring-loaded intake gate 66 swinging to its seat whereby the housing 58 and communicated unit 20 are again rendered airtight. I

'When utilizing the unit 20 as a folding vertical partition or door, as presented in, the drawings, an elongated overhead v track 76 will be provided along the desired path of movement of the expanding and collapsing unit 20. The unit itself will be suspended from the track 76 by means of a plurality of track engaging roller assemblies 78 which inturn are pivotally mounted to a series of brackets 80 affixed to the upper ends of the cells 22, preferably the adjoining walls 26 of a pair of adjacent cells 22. In this manner, the unit 20 will follow the track 76 during the collapsing and expanding movement thereof, the swivel mounting of the roller assemblies 78 allowing for the collapsing movement of the individual cells.

From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that a highly unique collapsibleunit has been defined. This unit, usable as a door, cover, support, or the like, is formed of a series of interconnected sections. The sections are hollow and triangular in cross section, the walls thereof being integrally formed so as to define, in conjunction with a pair of endnlates, an airtight cell. The cells are formed of a relatively rigid plastic whereby the sections are selfsustaining without internal braces or the like. In addition, the sections are formed with integral hinge por tions defined therein whereby a collapsing of the sections along predetermined lines can be achieved. Both the expanding and collapsing of the ,unit are effected pneumatically without requiring the use of any mechanically operating means insofar as the unit itself is concerned. By the same token, the triangular construction of the individual cells, but also a positive inward folding thereof whereby a retraction of the unit is achieved without necessitating the use of retracting springs or the like. Likewise, the particular configuration of the individual cells insures a linear extension of the unit upon the introduction of pressurized air whereby expansion restricting guiding apparatus or structure, aside from an overhead track as in the case of a folding door so as to maintain the vertical orientation of the door, is not required.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What I claim as new is as follows:

1. A selectively collapsible and expansible structural unit comprising a plurality of elongated hollow collapsible cells means interconnecting said cells in side-by-side relation with each other, said cells being airtight and in internal communication with each other, and fluid flow producing means communicated with the interior of said cells for the selective introduction of pressurized fluid thereto for a corresponding expansion of said unit, and a selective withdrawal of fluid therefrom for a collapsing of said unit, said fluid flow producng means constituting the sole means for effecting a selective extension and collapsing of the structural unit.

2. The construction of claim 1 wherein the means interconinecting said cells are selectively releasable whereby cells can he selectively added to or removed from the unit.

section.

3. The construction of claim 2 wherein said cells are formed of three integrally connected walls defining a triangular cross 4. The construction of claim 3 wherein each cell is, in cross section, substantially in the form of a right triangle, the two walls of each cell defining the right angle therebetween being of equal width, said cells being alternately reversed along the length of said unit.

5. The construction of claim 4 wherein each cell includes sealing end plates mounted within the opposed ends thereof, said end plates including fold lines and being selectively collapsible therealong.

6. The construction of claim 5 wherein the means interconnecting said cells comprise longitudinally elongated beads and grooves formed along said cells and releasably engageable with each other.

i 7. The construction of claim 6 wherein the fluid introducing and exhausting means comprises a power driven air blower communicated with one of said cells.

v 8. The construction of claim 7. wherein said air blower is enclosed in an airtight housing, said housing having an exhaust port and an intake port therethrough, solenoid controlled closure gates for said ports, and control means for allowing a selective opening of said ports in conjunction with the operation of said blower, said ports automatically closing in conjunction with deenergization of the blower.

9. The constructionof claim 8 wherein said unit includes a pair of rigid end sections, one of said sections constituting a mounting section for stabilizing a first end of the unit, the second of said end sections constituting a lead section on the extensible and retractable forward end of the unit. I

I0. The construction of claim 1 wherein each cell includes sealing end plates mounted within the opposed ends thereof, said end plates including fold lines and being selectively collapsible therealong. 

1. A selectively collapsible and expansible structural unit comprising a plurality of elongated hollow collapsible cells means interconnecting said cells in side-by-side relation with each other, said cells being airtight and in internal communication with each other, and fluid flow producing means communicated with the interior of said cells for the selective introduction of pressurized fluid thereto for a corresponding expansion of said unit, and a selective withdrawal of fluid therefrom for a collapsing of said unit, said fluid flow producing means constituting the sole means for effecting a selective extension and collapsing of the structural unit.
 2. The construction of claim 1 wherein the means interconnecting said cells are selectively releasable whereby cells can be selectively added to or removed from the unit.
 3. The construction of claim 2 wherein said cells are formed of three integrally connected walls defining a triangular cross section.
 4. The construction of claim 3 wherein each cell is, in cross section, substantially in the form of a right triangle, the two walls of each cell defining the right angle therebetween being of equal width, said cells being alternately reversed along the length of said unit.
 5. The construction of claim 4 wherein each cell includes sealing end plates mounted within the opposed ends thereof, said end plates including fold lines and being selectively collapsible therealong.
 6. The construction of claim 5 wherein the means interconnecting said cells comprise longitudinally elongated beads and grooves formed along said cells and releasably engageable with each other.
 7. The construction of claim 6 wherein the fluid introducing and exhausting means comprises a power driven air blower communicated with one of said cells.
 8. The construction of claim 7 wherein said air blower is enclosed in an airtight housing, said housing having an exhaust port and an intake port therethrough, solenoid controlled closure gates for said ports, and control means for allowing a selective opening of said ports in conjunction with the operation of said blower, said ports automatically closing in conjunction with deenergization of the blower.
 9. The construction of claim 8 wherein said unit includes a pair of rigid end sections, one of said sections constituting a mounting section for stabilizing a first end of the unit, the second of said end sections constituting a lead section on the extensible and retractable forward end of the unit.
 10. The construction of claim 1 wherein each cell includes sealing end plates mounted within the opposed ends thereof, said end plates including fold lines and beinG selectively collapsible therealong. 